FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Meagher, (805) 452-3228

Palacio Announces Broad Support from Leaders Across the Country in DNC Vice Chair Race

Denver – Today, Rick Palacio, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party and candidate for DNC Vice Chair, announced endorsements showcasing his strong and diverse support from across the country.

U.S. House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer from Maryland

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, Colorado

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Colorado

Earl Fowlkes DNC LGBT Caucus Chair from Washington DC

Iris Martinez, DNC Hispanic Caucus Chair from Illinois

Andres Ramirez, DNC Hispanic Caucus Vice Chair from Nevada

James Clayborne, Illinois State Senate Majority Leader

Rickey Cole, Former Mississippi State Party Chair

Javier Gonzales, Mayor, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Luis Heredia, former Arizona Democratic Party Executive Director

Gilberto Hinojosa, Texas State Party Chair

Lee Kinch, Kansas State Party Chair

Alexandra Gallardo-Rooker, California State Party Vice Chair

Blanca O’Leary, DNC Member from Colorado

Bev Ryken, Colorado State Party Vice Chair

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, Colorado

“Rick knows that our party needs to do a better job of listening, and that the great diversity of our party is what makes us strong. As the first Latino and openly gay Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, he brought our party in Colorado together. We need his leadership on the national stage to stand strong in the face of Donald Trump.”

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Colorado

“For the last six years, Rick Palacio has been a strong leader in Colorado, energizing and mobilizing our party to secure key victories for us in a tough swing state. Because of his leadership, we have made great gains in Colorado. Our state is a shining example of how Democrats can be successful when we come together, and Rick would make a great DNC Vice Chair.”

Gilberto Hinojosa, Texas State Party Chair

“I have known Rick Palacio for several years, and I know that he cares about our party, and that he cares about making our country a better place for more people. He will stand up to Donald Trump, and fight for those who don’t have a voice, and I’m proud to endorse him.”

Earl Fowlkes DNC LGBT Caucus Chair, Washington DC

“As the Chair of the DNC LGBT Caucus, I am proud to endorse Rick. He has made LGBT issues a priority, and I know he will continue to fight for an inclusive and diverse DNC, which is why I support him for DNC Vice Chair.”

Iris Martinez, DNC Hispanic Caucus Chair, Illinois

“With Donald Trump as President, we need to be vigilant in resisting his dangerous ideas and policies, such as a border wall. Rick has proven leadership, and he will never stop fighting to keep our families protected and united.”

Rick Palacio

“I am honored to receive the endorsement and support of so many influential leaders from around the country. This coalition of supporters knows that we have to work together to stand up to Donald Trump and his reckless Republican allies. We need to ensure that all of voices are heard, and that organizing is driven, and supported, at the local level and in every community. That is what I’ll bring as DNC Vice-Chair.”

The election for Vice Chair will take place on February 25 at the DNC meeting in Atlanta. In case you missed it, check out Rick’s latest video, “Why we fight.”

Rick Palacio has been the Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party since 2011. He is the first Latino and first openly gay man in battleground Colorado to hold the office of chair for a major party. For more information on Rick, visit www.rickpalacio.com.